The Ambassador assured that Kazakhstan supported Estonia's aspirations to join the European Union and NATO. He also voiced his support to the initiative of the Estonian Head of State to develop relations between East and West.
Both President Rüütel and Ambassador Ibrayev observed that, over the last decade, a firm foundation had been laid for the co-operation between Estonia and Kazakhstan, and that both countries appreciated each other's potential as a trade partner. At the today's meeting, exchange of business delegations, mutual investments and development of transit were put forward as possibilities to expand our economic relations.
President Rüütel noted that during the decade following the restoration of its independence, Estonia had accumulated a substantial experience in the field of social and economic reforms. "We are watching with great sympathy the efforts of Kazakhstan on its way of economic and social development. I wish your country to be accompanied by success," the President of Estonia said. He added that Kazakhstan, being strong in economic terms and progressing steadily, was a good partner to all of its neighbours, and that exchange of information about carrying out reforms could be one of the areas of closer relations between Kazakhstan and Estonia.
The Ambassador greeted the Estonian Head of State on behalf of the President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, to whom President Rüütel asked to convey his best wishes.
Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, January 9, 2003
